ABC's

Well, I'm sure we can skip the usual "breakfast at 7" update as every other day, so we'll go right to small group break out sessions. Today's verse is Romans 12:1-2. We also discussed having accountability partners. In the large group break out session, Monty shared his story of drug abuse and recovery. It was very interesting, and it showed how the rescue missions in Nashville are really helping people and bringing them to Christ. He's an aspiring musician with great talent on the piano, even though he's only played for about a year. He shared one of his own songs with us. Lunch today was the usual except for the disgusting dessert of Twinkies. Rather than eating them, we stuffed them all in a lunch bag and are keeping them in Emily and Megan's room for further use which is undecided at the moment.

VBS was definitely the highlight of the day so far. We were told that we could only stay for an hour and a half today as opposed to our usual 3 hours. Also, the women were doing crafts in our normal VBS room, so we were forced to hold the VBS in the chapel. Nearly all of the children returned, and they had a ton of energy! We also had a few mothers sitting in on our gathering. We started off with 3 great songs to get the kids going. Adam and Bryan told the story of Jesus' crucifixion in a skit. After a few more songs, Erica presented the ABC's of salvation and lead the group in a prayer to accept Christ. Three children prayed the prayer OUT LOUD and a few others told us that they too had accepted Jesus. We are praying that their decisions were sincere. Following the message, the children made their own ABC bracelets to remind them of how we are to Admit, Believe, and Confess. We ended with a fishing game and a memory verse. It was really a spectacular day. The children are becoming more attached to everyone, so it will be sad to leave them for the last time tomorrow. Our group has decided that we will leave our tie dye shirts to keep because the kids have told us many times how much they like them. (A few of the kids have shown up each day in the same clothes, so this will be especially helpful for them.) During our free time after VBS, some of the group members headed to an Army Surplus store. The rest of the gang got some much needed chill time around campus.

We have just finished dinner and are enjoying a bit of free time before tonight's session. Last night, an offering was taken at session for 3 different charity groups - Chain of Love, Danny and Friends, and Cameroon Youth Pastor Training. All together, over $3000 was collected! The night continued on a good note with some excellent worship, both with Sonicflood and a "stripped" version that included only a keyboard. Everyone was moved. Pastor George and Mrs. Michelle joined us and brought a laundry basket full of great snacks. Everyone sat on the lawn and ate until it was time to head in for the night.

The week is going great. Even though things have been really crazy and somewhat unstable at the VBS, we've learned to be flexible and trust God. We're looking forward to see what He does in the final days of our trip.

Thank you for all your prayers and comments! They are definitely helping us!

P.S. We added a few pictures to yesterday's blog, so check them out!